Volstead Act

Volstead Act, formally National Prohibition Act, U.S. law enacted in 1919 (and taking effect in 1920) to provide enforcement for the Eighteenth Amendment, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. It is named for Minnesota Rep. Andrew Volstead, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who had championed the bill and prohibition. The act was vetoed by Pres. Woodrow Wilson, but it became law after Congress voted to override the veto.

Volstead, Andrew J.Andrew J. Volstead.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Jeannette L. Nolen, Assistant Editor.